Growing up in Cupertino, California, which is best known as the home of Apple, I was surrounded by an aura of optimism that comes from the infinite possibilities technology and the dot-com era brought. Being exposed to this tech culture allowed me to realize at an early age the impact of innovation and thinking outside the box.

Ever since I can remember, art was my passion. I would draw, and continue to draw, on anything I could find. My parents noticed my talent from a very young age and always encouraged me to follow my passion, never pressing me to follow the exact same path as everyone else. I remember one day my dad telling me that I would be a great woman of influence. He said it with so much conviction, I believed it.

Those encouraging remarks fuel me still to this day, especially in my job as a lead designer at Cadillac, where I, along with a talented team of designers and engineers, develop world-class cars. The highlight of my career so far was penning the interior design of the XTS and developing it with a team of people that share my same passion for cars.

I’m often asked how I went from art school to car designer. The answer is simple. I wanted to make an impact through creativity. I believe artistic creativity is what progresses us. I was enthralled with the idea that my work could one day be used by millions of people, impacting their lives in a positive way. To think differently, to create new things and to be inventive—all are virtuous traits that are intrinsic in those who change society.

Don’t Lose Who You Are

During my first year at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., I learned a valuable lesson that helped shape the mindset I have today. As one of the few female students studying automotive design, I naively felt the need to blend in with my male classmates and find a way to minimize being seen as the only girl. I contemplated signing all of my design sketches as “Chris Park” instead of “Christine Park,” but in the back of my mind I knew it didn’t feel right. My professor offered some great guidance by telling me, “Be who you are.” I learned to embrace the fact that my uniqueness helped set me apart.

Today, working in an industry where there are few women, I can bring a different perspective to the table. But, I never want my gender to define me. Instead, my work will speak for itself, and I now know the key is being comfortable in my own skin.